ELTON JOHN: Peachtree Road ***1/2 (Mercury). Elton John's return to form continues with Peachtree Road, which echoes the mood of his early, southern-flavoured records. Lyricist Bernie Taupin also addresses Elton's sexuality and personal life more explicitly for a change (My Elusive Drug, Freaks in Love). Not on a par with Tumbleweed Connection, maybe, but the piano man is back where he belongs.

JEFF CRAWFORD